In Sanskrit, the concept of "self-love" can be expressed by several distinct terms, each offering a unique nuance. The most common and direct translations include mamatā, ahaṃmāna, and svānurāga.
Sanskrit Terms for Self-Love
Sanskrit is renowned for its rich vocabulary, often providing multiple words for a single English concept, each with subtle differences in meaning or emphasis. For "self-love," these terms are widely recognized:
| Sanskrit Term | Gender | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ममता (Mamatā) | Feminine | Self-love |
| अहंमान (Ahaṃmāna) | Masculine | Self-love |
| स्वानुराग (Svānurāga) | Masculine | Self-love |
While all three terms translate to "self-love," they may subtly emphasize different aspects of this feeling. Svānurāga, for instance, directly translates to "self-affection" or "self-attachment," emphasizing the aspect of love or fondness towards oneself. Mamatā generally refers to a sense of possessiveness or "mine-ness," which can extend to a strong feeling for oneself. Ahaṃmāna often relates to self-esteem or self-respect, deriving from aham (I) and māna (honor/respect).
Understanding these terms provides insight into the multifaceted nature of self-love as perceived in Sanskrit traditions.
